The 77th Locarno Film Festival opens with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, along with Jane Campion, Alfonso Cuaron, and Irene Jacob, set to receive special awards. The festival, founded in 1946, is one of the longest-running film festivals globally and emphasizes auteur cinema. Khan, 58, will be honored with the Pardo alla Carriera award for his significant impact on Indian cinema, with festival director Giona A. Nazzaro praising his connection to audiences and artistic bravery. The event runs until August 17, showcasing 225 films, including 104 premieres. The Golden Leopard, the festival's top prize, has a fund of 75,000 Swiss francs and is contested by 17 films. Additionally, a retrospective will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures.